Self-Guided Melbourne Street Art Walking Tour | Free |
Get the lowdown with a free self-guided street-art walking tour.
It covers 11 hot spots and takes about two hours - or just dip in with whatever time's available.
You'll not only discover the latest creations but some of the city's most intriguing laneways too.
Street Art Tour
TIME 2 hours
DISTANCE 3.2 kilometres
1. Strachan Lane | Start Here Map
Home to underground bar Harley House, this small, unassuming laneway boasts some impressive street art.
A powerful piece by Adnate looms high over the entrance, while inside there's a photorealistic portrait of musician Nic Cester from Melbourne band Jet and a tribute to Cyndi Lauper.
Next, head right down Flinders Lane to reach Duckboard Place.
2. Duckboard Place
Duckboard Place features a mix of vibrant street art, gig posters and great dining options like Tonka, Lee Ho Fook and Pastuso.
Look out for two Banksy rats on the left before turning the corner. The lane features two towering artworks - Fintan Magee's portrait of a man carrying a tree, and Steen Jones' tattoo-style tribute to Melbourne.
3. AC/DC Lane
Named after the legendary Australian rock band, AC/DC Lane is covered in colourful tributes to rock'n'roll, including a huge portrait of Malcolm Young and a 3D sculpture of Bon Scott bursting through the wall.
Diehard fans should head to nearby Swanston Street where the band filmed the music video 'It's a Long Way to the Top' in 1976.
4. Hosier Lane
Popular Hosier Lane is an ever-changing canvas of paste-ups, murals and hidden sculptures. High above, Adnate's portrait of an Indigenous boy gazes towards the river.
Next, continue down Flinders Lane and into Centre Place, Melbourne's most recognisable laneway. Cross Collins Street and head towards Howey Place through the Collins 234 building.
5. Presgrave Place
Presgrave Place is known for its charming collection of framed art, featuring photographs, posters, stickers and works made from recycled materials.
Enjoy a coffee at 30ml Cafe, or a cocktail at Bar Americano. With standing room for 10, it's one of Melbourne's smallest bars.
To find the next stop, cross Little Collins Street and turn left.
6. Union Lane
Covered in vibrant tags and graffiti-style art, this narrow thoroughfare runs alongside the David Jones department store. At the end of the lane you'll find the famous Bourke Street Mall, known for its buskers, shopping and cafes.
From the mall, turn left into Swanston Street and weave through the crowd towards Chinatown in Little Bourke Street.
7. Tattersalls Lane
Stroll past restaurants serving Asian-inspired dishes towards two of Melbourne's favourite bars, Section 8 and Ferdydurke.
Next to Section 8 is a colourful abstract mural by Chilean artist Nelson Cekis. Towering above the laneway is a portrait of woman with feathers, a collaboration between artists Adnate and Shida from 2012.
8. Drewery Lane
Drewery Lane features a mosaic of handmade tiles that honour its long-time resident charity, Legacy House.
Created by the families and friends of war veterans, this evolving artwork is guaranteed to pluck at the heartstrings.
Look up to see a sculpture depicting the entwined figures of Baucis and Philemon, characters from a Greek legend.
9. Guildford Lane
A rare pocket of the city's industrial heritage, Guildford Lane is now a green oasis lined with plants and cafes.
As you walk along, take note of the mural by Melbourne based artist Mike Makatron on an old electrical substation door.
Stop in and grab a bite at Krimper or Brick Lane, or book yourself in for a coffee and a pat at the Cat Cafe.
10. 436 Queen Street
This lesser known and unmarked laneway is full of colourful and mischievous murals, stencils, paste-ups and unexpected pieces covering every inch of space.
The evolving art offers something new each time you visit and is a great stop en route to or from Queen Victoria Market.
Head back out onto Franklin Street to find Blender Lane on the left.
11. Blender Lane
Jump back onto Franklin Street to find Blender Lane on the left.
A favourite among the street art community, Blender Lane is an incubator of ideas for many underground street artists. Gaze high and low to see bright and provocative works in a variety of styles.
The lane was named after the now-relocated Blender Studios, which was influential in the development of Melbourne's street art movement.
12. Coromandel Place
Complete with green vines, planter boxes and speciality coffee from Oli & Levi, this lane features large scale works by local artists.
As you enter, you'll see neon figures painted by Al Stark on the walls of the Uniting Church.
Head towards the end of the lane for a closer look at a two-storey mural by experimental artist and illustrator Ghostpatrol.
13. Meyers Place
Discover Mike Makatron's stunning Jungle Funk mural, commissioned for the city's Green Your Laneways project, at the Bourke Street end of Meyers Place.
It 's also a great spot to grab a bite. Step into the courtyard at Lane's Edge, take in city views at Loop Roof, or settle in at San Telmo for Argentinian barbecue.
14. Croft Alley
Access this winding laneway off Little Bourke Street in Chinatown to discover walls splashed with graffiti-style art and colourful murals.
Swing back in the evening and grab a cocktail at the quirky science lab-themed bar, The Croft Institute.
15. Beaney Lane
This small, but impressive laneway offers a great mix of street art and striking murals.
The bright blue portrait by Heesco will capture your attention as you make your way to the end of the laneway, home to the Middle Eastern-inspired bar Spice Market.
16. 223 Franklin Street
Opposite the Queen Victoria Market, this laneway is full of bright street art and home to a collaboration piece by portrait artists Adnate and Swaze.
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ Self-Guided Melbourne Street Art Walking Tour | Free
➼ Melbourne Street Art Locations
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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